yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/14/89)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, DEC. 12, 1989
STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Hypergolic propellant loading activities are continuing
today. Yesterday, nitrogen tetroxide propellants were loaded into
storage tanks for the reaction control system and orbital
maneuvering system. Today, monomethylhydrazine, the fuel, is
being loaded aboard the orbiter. In addition, hydrazine will be
loaded in tanks for the orbiter's auxiliary power units and for
the boosters' hydraulic power units. This hazardous operation,
scheduled through tonight, requires that the pad be closed of all
non-essential personnel.
Early tomorrow morning, the solid rocket boosters' hydraulic
power units will be "hot fired," or run, for about 20-30 seconds.
The hot fire is necessary because the HPUs were replaced due to a
concern with a cracked housing. Also, one of the integrated
electronic assemblies was replaced. The pad will be reopened for
normal work tomorrow morning. Ordnance installation and checks
of firing circuits are planned Thursday and closeouts of the aft
compartment are scheduled when the pad is open.
Launch of Mission STS-32 is targeted for Dec. 18 at 7:31
p.m. EST.
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 1
Today, workers are preparing to install the right orbital
maneuvering system pod. The pod is scheduled to be delivered to
the OPF by noon today and installation will begin later tonight.
Installation of the three main engines is planned for Friday and
Saturday.
STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
Power up post-flight systems testing and inspections are
scheduled this week. Heat shields have been removed in
preparation for engine removal this week.
STS-36 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations are continuing. The right forward center
segment is scheduled to be stacked today. Joint closeouts are
underway. The external tank is scheduled to be mated to the
boosters next week.